Temptation

Chapter 7
Chapter 7

“Temptation” Part 7

 

By Oni and Piper

 

 

"What did you do to her?" a higher, but much firmer and angry voice says from the shadows.  Little Reiko, still only twelve but with fire in her eyes steps out of them, hands on hips.  She is glaring directly at John.

 

Amara looks up, teary eyed.  "He was mean." she says, still too upset to expand on things.

 

John holds his hands up worried at the strangely foreboding look the young Kirasani is throwing at him.  "Nothing!" he swears.  "We were just playing at sticks!"  He gets quickly to his feet.

 

Reiko looks at her blonde friend, noticing Amara’s soiled dress and her dirty limbs, as well as the tears.  She doesn't think she had ever seen the Palidin cry before today.  She also notes the blonde is even younger then when she left the shop. 

 

"Oh really?" Reiko snarls cutely.  Jym shows up behind her with Killi.

 

"What?  What happened?" the squire asks confused.

 

"Look, I thought she was older," John protests lamely.  "She kept flirting with me ... but I didn't touch her inappropriately.”

 

"You lout!" Reiko yells, moving forward.  Jym grabs the Kirasani girl's arm and holds her back. 

 

"Amara, what happened?" Jym asks, waiting for the blonde to calm down.

 

"Just lemme zap him once.  I won't kill him.  Promise." Reiko complains.

 

"Nothing," Amara says softly, blushing with tears still in her eyes.  She starts walking away.

 

Reiko still glares.  "You're lucky she's so nice." she adds.  Despite her cuteness, there is no doubt in John’s mind that the skinny girl is right.  Reiko finds herself seriously considering placing a curse anyway on the teen.

 

"Amara!" Jym calls, then moves after his diminished mistress.  Jym and Amara soon pass into the shadows, leaving John with the still angry Reiko.

 

"I'm sorry!" John protests to the seething little girl.  "Really, she's fine; though you probably should've kept her at your little tea party with your other playmates."

 

Reiko grins in an evil way.  "Tea is nice, especially with milk.  Would you like to see the other playmates I invited to my party?"  She asks the nearby shadows to show her, and John, what happened with Amara.

 

To John's stark terror, many dark forms appear in the shadows of nearby bushes.  They seem to dance briefly with each other, then fall one at a time until one of each is lying on the other.  It is difficult for John to see exactly what is going on but Reiko gets more information.

 

"Amara's right.  You weren't very nice.  Not nice at all." her high voice intones.  She checks to see just how far away Jym and Amara are now.

 

"Run along," John tells her in annoyance, trying to shake away the shock of seeing the shadow figures.  He starts walking away.

 

Reiko frowns, anger burning in her.  She decides to drop her illusion and invite John to drink from her breasts.  It is an invitation the teen will not be allowed to reject.  The witchling pauses however upon hearing a new voice.

 

"John?" Sasha calls, thinking she sees the teen.

 

Reiko takes a deep breath and calms, halting her plan.  She gives John a sharp shock to his ass instead.  The teen jumps off the ground and stumbles around a bit as Sasha approaches.

 

When Sasha sees little Reiko she does a double-take.

 

The little Kirasani girl smiles and waves at the seamstress.  "Hello.  Didja like the gift?" she asks.

 

"It ... worked, very well," Sasha nods and smiles thankfully.

 

"Do ya like being the oldest now?" she whispers, giggling when she sees Sasha's surprise.  Reiko finds she enjoys whispering up to the 'older' girl.  "An' waddya want with him?" she glowers again as she nods towards John.

 

"I've come to collect him," Sasha explains.  To John she adds, "Your brother needs to see you John."

 

"Kin I come too?" Reiko asks.  She tilts her head cutely.

 

Sasha spies her outfit.  "Isn't that shirt from my shop?" she asks.

 

Reiko looks away innocently.  "Ummmm, mayyybeeee.  Let's just say Alyssa really likes to play on the bear-bear." she whispers again with another giggle.

 

"Well, you make a cute ten-year-old," Sasha comments, slightly underestimating the girl's age.

 

"Actually, I'm about twelve now.  Kirasani age a bit slower.  Harder when young but better when old." Reiko explains. 

 

"Oh, sorry, dear," Sasha tells her, a far different conversation than she'd expected when meeting the sexy witch again.

 

"What's up?" John asks, ignoring Reiko.

 

"Please, just come with me.  You will have to see for yourself." Sasha comments.

 

"So, can I come?" Reiko asks again.  "I might be able to help." she points out.

 

"Er, okay," Sasha agrees hesitantly, not wanting to upset the unpredictable witch.

 

Reiko actually hops.  "Yay!"  When Reiko lands, she is an inch shorter, though they don’t notice.  The witchling checks again on Jym and Amara's status and sees Jym's silhouette hugging the smaller Amara's.  She listens in on them as the trio walk back to the shop.

 

***

 

Amara doesn't say anything to Jym she just holds him and cries softly.  After a while, Jym gently wipes the tears from her cheeks.  "Are you okay?" he asks softly.

 

"It was sexy and exciting," Amara confesses softly, "until I said 'no' enough times.  Then, then he started calling me a little girl and was going to slap my bottom.  I'm not a little girl!" she exclaims, as if pleading with him to agree with her.

 

"I know you aren't." Jym soothes her.  "He had no right to do that, or call you that."

 

The young Palidin shakes her head.  "I don't know what I was thinking," she sniffs.  "I shouldn't have led him on!"

 

"I doubt if you led him on." Jym tells his mistress honestly.  "He seemed like a jerk anyway.  He's lucky Reiko didn't fry him."

 

"He's just a kid," Amara defends ironically.  "Anyway, it's over."

 

"Only if you're really alright." Jym promises.  His hand caresses her cheek.

 

Amara shrugs and looks her skinny body over.  "As all right as I can be, I guess."  Her dress has grown loose about her shoulders.  A stray breeze reminds her with embarrassment that she is still not wearing any underwear.  She looks up to a Jym who seems taller than ever.

 

Her now larger squire nods.  "Right.  Let's get to bed.  The temple should do a fine job."  He looks around for the first time.  "Oh no, where's Reiko?"

 

Amara offers to take Killi.  "I will take him to the temple," she directs.  "You find her."

 

Jym sighs and nods.  "Rest well." he wishes her.  The blond girl rises on tip-toe and kisses his cheek.

 

He returns a quick kiss on the lips.  "No, not a little girl at all." he adds, trying to make her feel better.

 

The blonde blushes beautifully, though the make-up on her round cheeks suggests otherwise.  She leaves with Killi limp over her shoulder.

 

Jym returns to where he met up with Amara and tries to spot a trail.  Reiko however guessed he'd figure out she was gone eventually and instructed the shadows to hamper his search for clues.  It would not do of course to have him spoil her fun.

 

In the darkness Reiko also causes her breasts to tuck completely back into her chest.  With the tunic she is wearing already feeling very loose she decides that eliminating her breasts is necessary to allow her to take it off without anyone protesting.  The idea of being topless in front of others sends a naughty thrill through her body.

 

When the door to the house opens Sasha hurries them inside.  “Warm in here.”  Reiko says, before pulling the tunic off and dropping it on the floor, showing off the now flat chest of a child.  After a moment she pulls her boots off as well.

 

As the witch indulges herself in her games Sasha and John notice a small night gowned figure curled up asleep on the couch.  Alyssa, in nightie and full bed underclothes comes out of her room.  "There you are." she tells Sasha.  Looking the newly arrived boy over she adds, "This must be John."  John looks Alyssa over quite happily.

 

"And there you are," Sasha says, more than a little surprised.

 

"My how you've changed, James," he jokingly compliments Alyssa.

 

Reiko frowns then begins to think up a fitting punishment for the teen.  She decides to possibly give the boy a choice between Alyssa and a grown up Reiko, full breasts and all.

 

"That's not James," Sasha says to John with a little annoyance.  "This is my sister, Alyssa."

 

Alyssa smiles and curtsies.  "James?  You mean Jamie?"

 

Reiko finds she hates that everyone is ignoring her, especially now that she's topless. "Who’s' the little girl?" the witchling asks, pointing at the couch.

 

Alyssa laughs lightly.  "No, that's not a little girl that’s James.  I put him in a nightgown."

 

"What?" John asks, laughing a little but not getting the joke.

 

"Well, he was running around all naked." Alyssa says to John.  “Have you come to pick him up?”

 

Sasha picks up Reiko's top and offers it to the little girl.  "Please stay dressed," she asks, though she has respect in her voice.  Reiko grunts, but does as she is asked.  At least someone knows how to treat a Kirasani witch she decides.

 

"He peeped on me too." Alyssa frowns.  "So, I had to give him a bit of a spanking for being naughty.  I hope that was alright."

 

"What do you mean he was naked?" Sasha frowns.  "I dressed him myself."

 

"He undressed himself ... while I was changing in my bedroom thank you very much." Alyssa states.

 

"He was, was he?!  James?  Wake up," Sasha calls, walking over to the couch.

 

Jamie rubs his eyes and gets to his feet.  "Sasha?" he asks sleepily.  The expressions on John's face show his utter confusion as well as thrill at hearing what sounds like a risqué night by his brother.

 

"What were you doing peeping on my sister?" Sasha demands, staring down at the boy.  He looks very cute, she has to admit, not realizing yet he is younger than she left him.

 

"Her door was wide open!" the little boy protests.  "And she already slapped my bottom for it!"  Sasha looks over at Alyssa.

 

"Yeah, he's been dealt with." Alyssa adds.  "He knew he was being naughty."

 

"Never mind that then."  Sasha states.  She takes James' hand and leads him over to John.  "James, meet your little brother.  Former."  To Alyssa and John, she adds, "Another blessing tonight, can you believe it?"

 

“You mean in addition to mom and Emelia?” Alyssa asks.

 

Sasha nods.  “So you’ve seen them.”

 

Alyssa smirks.  “Yup.  Here's the best part, Emmy's a bed wetter."

 

John stares in shock as Jamie fidgets before his big younger brother, uncomfortable at being seen in such girlish clothing.  Reiko breaks the silence with giggling.

 

John tries to laugh it off.  "Very funny.  Is this some sort of lesson, James?" he asks the air.

 

Jamie tugs his shirt.  "I'm down here."

 

John picks the boy up under the arms for emphasis.  "You … are my big brother?"

 

The boy nods, his nightgown ballooning slightly around his feet.  “Uh-huh.  It is, little Johnny boy.” The child says, using a term only John’s brother would know.  The comment causes John’s eyes to widen and his body to freeze for a moment.

 

John puts his brother back down and moves to the couch breathing more heavily.  "I need to sit down!"

 

"I'll get some tea." Alyssa offers.  John wipes his face with his hands as Jamie wanders closer, smiling hesitantly.

 

"Uh, I'll help." Sasha hurries after her sister, not wanting the wrong tea served.

 

Reiko wanders over and gives Jamie a close look.  "He's cute." she compliments.  Frowning at John she adds, "What happened with you?"

 

"He's supposed to be my responsible big brother," John mutters.  "What is Dad going to do when he finds this out?"

 

Jamie shrugs.  "Mom will like it," he volunteers.  The boy climbs onto the couch to sit next to his large brother, his bare legs and feet sticking straight out.

 

"So you'll be the responsible big brother now?" Reiko asks innocently.  With a giggle she adds, "Nah, you're right.  That’ll never work."

 

"This has to be a joke," John declares.  He ruffles Jamie's hair.  "You're cute and all, but you're not my bro ..."

 

"Dee-nile." Reiko pipes cutely.

 

Wordlessly, Jamie rolls up a sleeve to show a birth mark.  John takes his arm and rubs at the mark, trying to prove it fake.

 

"Ow!" Jamie complains.

 

"Yeesh, do you like hurting people?  He's your brother.  Accept it." Reiko says.

 

John stares blankly at Reiko for a few seconds as if just seeing her.

 

***

 

In the kitchen Sasha makes sure Alyssa brews a fresh pot of tea, while Alyssa informs her sister that their older sister is pretty much a baby now.

 

"If you knew I was bringing company, why did you change into just a nightgown?" Sasha asks suspiciously.  "You like John, don't you?"

 

"I don't even know him, and frankly he’s annoying but how was I to know who he was exactly?  Honestly, it just felt so nice to be free of mother’s judgmental ways.  Plus, I did put on underclothes." she defends.

 

"It is a relief, isn't it?  Mother I mean." Sasha admits.  "But don't you start running around half naked again," she jokes.

 

Alyssa blushes.  "Too late.  I was fully naked when James peeped, and, well, playing with myself." she says embarrassed.  "Why I got pissed at him.  Sorry, really."

 

"That's okay," Sasha nods, keeping her temper down.  "He is marrying me.  It was meant to be."

 

Alyssa blinks.  "Marrying?  But he's a little kid." she says confused.

 

"He is of marrying age," Sasha insists.  "Naita's blessing was clear.  We will marry, and I will own both our businesses while the smootchy-wootchykins gets to play with his toys."

 

Alyssa thinks her sister is clearly deluded on a number of points but decides to let most of it go for now.  "Uh, huh.  Sure.  Fine.  If it works, it works.  But honestly, he looks younger than marrying age." she points out.  "Might he have been taken out of the way so that you could marry John instead?" she suggests.

 

Sasha thinks on it, and then shakes her head.  "Then John would own our businesses.  No, I know he's awful young to be a husband, but it is better this way.  Say, you could marry John!  Since I'm the oldest, John couldn't take our business away then!"

 

"True." Alyssa admits.  "Except I don't know him, and he doesn't seem that nice.  From what I saw at the party.  Naw, I'll stay single." She laughs lightly.

 

***

 

"Why are you here?" John asks the little Kirasani girl in front of him.

 

"Because you are." Reiko responds cryptically.  "I know what you did to my friend and all the teasing you want to lay on me won't make me go away.  Yure gonna have to show yure really sorry."

 

"How can you know all of that and NOT know that I'm really sorry?" he questions back.  "You think I wanted to make her cry?  It wasn't my intention at all!"

 

"Yure rude and mean when you don't get your way.  You may not know any better but you better learn.  Women do not all want you."  She grins and thinks.  "Tell ya what.  You can prove to me you're sorry."

 

John looks guarded.  "What?"

 

"Spend the night, and don't mess around with any of the girls or women.  No matter what they do.  Can you muster that control?" she asks, posing in a cute dramatic pose.

 

"And that would prove what?" the teen asks.

 

"That yure not just a little boy controlled by his urges and wants." The witchling points out.

 

John sighs and slaps his lap.  "I have a better way.  I don't agree to play a little girl's game, and I take my brother back to the caravan like a responsible young man.  James, get your clothes on."

 

The teen looks away from Reiko for a moment.  In the corner of his eye he sees a shimmer, then when he looks back, a fully adult Reiko, stretching her clothing to the limits sits before him.  "Awwwww, such a pity.  If you won, you could get me willingly." she smirks, her voice sounding fully adult and very seductive. 

 

John’s jaw drops open and he gapes at her.  Leaning over she gives the shocked teen a long, deep kiss.

 

"Hey!" Jamie protests.

 

When Reiko pulls back she shimmers again and the ten year old returns.  "But you don't want to play, so okay."

 

"What are you?" John whispers.

 

"Weren't you paying attention?" she giggles.  "Kirasani witch, at your service.  Yes, you attacked the friend of a witch."

 

"I didn't attack her!" he almost yells.  Despite his newly formed hard-on, he stands.  "Whatever.  Forget it.  'Make a deal with a Kirasani, lose your soul.'” He quotes.  “Leaving is still the right thing to do.  James, come on! "

 

James scrambles to his feet and tugs the nightgown off his head to get changed.

 

Reiko glares.  "You don't get it do you?  This isn't an option.  I'm already pissed at you and I'm going to punish you.  I was just offering a way out." she intones softly but darkly in her high pitched voice.  She glares up at him, cute and menacing at the same time.

 

John drops to the couch again and covers his face in his hands in resignation.

 

Little Reiko pats his knee.  "Oh, it's not so bad.  I don't want your soul, and you could get out of here with your maturity.  We'll see.  Oh, and none of this mentioned to the girls?  It would only upset them, right?"

 

"Don't listen to the witch!" Jamie warns his brother as he hops into his loose trousers.

 

Reiko shrugs.  "Walk out that door now and you won't stay past puberty by morning.  No skin off my nose."

 

"Leave him alone!" the half-dressed, former big brother cries, tackling Reiko to the floor.

 

Taken by surprise at first Reiko quickly overpowers the boy and flips their positions, pinning him beneath her as she holds his arms in place.  "Is this how you had Amara, huh John?" Reiko asks snidely over her shoulder.

 

"Not at all," John protests.  "I was lying down on her."  The teen seems hesitant to help his brother, fearful of angering the witch even more.

 

"Yes, such a difference.” Reiko says sarcastically.  She smirks down at little Jamie.  “Now, I did share saliva with your brother, but you don't get a kissy little boy.  Still, I suppose I can make an exception.” she says menacingly.  Making a hacking noise she waits for the little boy’s panting mouth to open, then spits in it.

 

As Jamie gags Reiko asks John.  "Shall I let him up?  Has he learned his lesson?  That he's just a weak pathetic little boy now?"

 

"He was just trying to protect me," John replies, finally getting enough courage to pluck her clean into the air by the waist.  He sets her on her feet away from the coughing boy.

 

"Oh, he'll be fine." Reiko assures.  "Nothing a nap won’t solve.  Or a timeout." she teases.

Jamie looks at her furiously, his face turning red from his childish temper.  "Or is she just upset that she had to take off her pretty nightie?" the witchling pours on.

 

In response Jamie scrambles to his feet and rushes toward the witch but John easily catches him by the arm.  "Stop!  She’s just trying to upset you." he tells the boy.

 

Jamie stops struggling, and John reaches for the boy's tunic, at which time Jamie pulls from his brother’s grip and charges the witch again.

 

Reiko stands calmly then uses her honed reflexes to slide out of the way and trip the boy causing Jamie to crash to the floor in a heap.

 

"He disobeyed you Johnny.  Maybe you should spank him." Reiko comments.

 

John plucks Jamie off the floor and carries him to the other side of the room.  "Enough!  You are throwing a tantrum!" John whispers in disbelief.  He stands Jamie in the corner and pulls the tunic down over his brother’s head.  "Now stay there, don't look at her and don't listen to her."

 

"Yup, don't listen to little ole me.  I still think she'd be happier in her nightie." Reiko deadpans.

 

"Leave her … I mean him alone!" John tells her this time.

 

Reiko giggles.  "Okay.  I won't bother her."

 

"Him," John reaffirms.  "Don't bother him."

 

Reiko looks around as if in confusion.  "Who him?  I thought Jamie was a girl's name."

 

"Will you stop?" John asks, exasperated.  "His name is James."

 

"Ohhhhhhh." Reiko comments, as if understanding for the first time.  John rolls his eyes and collects the rest of his brother’s clothing. 

 

Little Jamie lost almost a year in their fight, Reiko calculates with a smile.  She also begins to ponder just how much of a chance she'll actually give John.  In the meantime the witchling decides to entertain herself with another little illusion, making Jamie appear more and more of a little girl.

 

At that moment the sisters bring in a tray of warm tea.

 

Of course she'll need dollies, ribbons, bows, dresses and other such items Reiko realizes, all of which are in the shop.  "Alyssa, kin you help me git some stuff?" Reiko asks cutely.  Her attempt to sound extra cute unknowingly reduces her another year down to nine, though nobody quite seems to notice.

 

"Sure," Alyssa agrees, guiding Reiko to the shop with a hand on her back.

 

Looking back over her shoulder at John Reiko adds mockingly, "Enjoy the tea party.  Just don't go anywhere while I’m gone okay cutie?" 

 

John sighs then notices Sasha looking at James as the boy stands in the corner.

 

"He needed to calm down," John explains to Sasha.  The woman walks over and takes her betrothed by the hand, leading him back to the coffee table.  She sits in a chair and pulls the little boy onto her lap with a kiss to the cheek.

 

"Isn't he precious?" Sasha asks, giving Jamie a hug.  Jamie looks at his brother helplessly from the woman's lap as his bare feet don't even reach the floor.

John clears his throat and sits back, trying to relax.  "Thank you for looking after him," he says politely.  "We will be out of your way in the morning, if that is all right with you?" he asks, acquiescing to the witch’s demands.

 

***

 

Reiko proceeds to pad around the shop, bare feet slapping on the wooden floor as she picks out the cutest toys and outfits she can.  She even glances at the rug.  "Shall we let Jamie experience Bear-Bear?" she asks.

 

Alyssa blushes.  "That's not normally for guests," she says.

 

The witchling giggles.  "Most guests.  Kin I let you in on a few secrets?" she asks Alyssa, hoping to gain an ally and stir up some more mischief.

 

"Like what?" Alyssa asks, watching the girl with her arms crossed.  She is starting to realize the girl is even smaller than earlier.

 

"Like yure mommy and older sister getting little weren't random miracles." she mentions.

 

"I already suspected something was up.” Alyssa remarks thoughtfully.  “Are you saying you did it?” Alyssa asks guardedly.

 

"Not me.  At least not directly.  Why would I care if a matron and her eldest daughter became conveniently little?" Reiko asks. 

 

"Doesn't seem all that convenient," Alyssa protests.  “Still, spit it out.  What happened?”

 

Reiko motions for Alyssa to lean in close then whispers, "Emelia and Sasha tried to blackmail me.  Threatened that your mother would turn me into the guard.  I gave them a potion, as they requested, and they made your mother little.  Then Sasha double-crossed Emmy.  They both intended to 'bless' you if you didn't agree."  The witchling tilts her head thoughtfully.  "I'd be careful if I were you, 'lyssa.  Seems Sasha still fondly recalls you running around topless and in trousers as a tomboy."

 

Alyssa looks shocked.  "What sense would that make?!  With me little as well, there'd be far too little skill in the shop, and the business would fail!"

 

"Unless Sasha married James."  Reiko giggles.  "But that won't happen now, so yure safe.  The original idea was for Emelia and Sasha to be in charge, but Emmy proved a poor mommy." she adds truthfully.  "Still, Sasha had no qualms about you being the rugrat." 

 

Reiko takes her own large tunic off, giving a visual reminder of how Alyssa must have appeared once.  "I just felt you should know.  Sasha prolly will never tell you." Reiko admits.

 

Alyssa nods gravely.  "That's … not good.  What was this potion?"

 

Reiko ponders her question then decides to share again.  "The potion is milk, breast milk from me to be exact.  We got 'blessed' for real in the nearby village.  The woman said she was a priestess of Naita, but she lied we think.  Now my breasts give off milk, and we're all getting younger."  Reiko pats her flat chest while standing on Bear-Bear during their conversation.

 

Alyssa pales, which is easy for a red-head.  "I'm sorry to hear that.  Then my mother and sister are also still changing?"

 

Reiko nods sadly.  "Yeah.  I'm sorry about that, truly.  When I gave it to them I was worried about my friends and myself, and I didn't know it was anywhere near that strong.  I thought they would just make your mom a teen or something." she admits.  "I won't use it like that again you have my word."  The witchling giggles at the flatness of her chest when Alyssa stares at the pair of nipple dots skeptically. 

 

"Oh, right."  Reiko shimmers again, and after a moment the fully adult and still topless witch stands before the teen.  “Remember what Jym said, it’s only an illusion.” Her adult voice says.  She doesn’t add the fact that Jym doesn’t really know it’s an illusion.

 

"Then what happened?" Alyssa asks.  "Did they use too much?  Emelia would use it all."

The teen starts to shield her eyes from the now larger and topless woman then lets her hand drop as unimportant.

 

"They used most I'm sure, and Sasha poured it straight down Emmy's throat.  Don't worry about them just yet though.”  Reiko considers another secret and decides to trust the redheaded teen yet again.  “You see I … I sensed them when I got here and I think I managed to get the milk to halt their youthening.  I seem to have a … connection to it.  It must be the ‘blessing’ and the fact the milk is mine.  But I can't seem to reverse it.  I tried with my lover already while we were outside just now."  The witch does not mention she discovered this subtle control while spying on Sasha and Emelia however, figuring Alyssa would not understand. 

 

“Have you told Jym this?” Alyssa asks, sounding amazed and fascinated.  Her tone does not suggest she thinks the witch must tell Jym however, the girl deferring to the Kirasani as the authority figure now that her adulthood has been revealed again, and the mind influencing illusion spell has been removed.

 

“Not yet.  I wasn’t sure.  Still not positive, but if your mother and sister and Killi hold their age till morning we’ll know for certain.”  Reiko rubs her chin as she continues to think, and Alyssa recovers from the surprising news.  "Now James I honestly can't figure out.  He never drank my milk, I'm sure of it, I can feel it.  Nor did he have any contact with myself or my friends." she adds.  "I suppose it could be a real miracle, but not likely."  The maturity in Reiko's thoughtful tone reflects its new timbre.  It is obvious to an observer that she is thinking more maturely now as well, though it is not so apparent to the witch herself.

 

"And the priest?" Alyssa asks, clueing in.

 

"Prayed to Naita while he inspected our curse.  It is a goddess thing so it could be a blessing, but that sort of thing was Amara's expertise." Reiko admits.  "Now, as to John ..." she begins.  "Do you remember Jym's friend Amara?"

 

Alyssa almost shakes her head then nods.  "The little blonde?  What about her?"

 

Reiko gives Alyssa a full explanation of what John did to Amara, including the tears afterward. 

 

"I knew he was a cretin," Alyssa mutters.

 

The Kirasani nods, adding, "Anyway, we all need sleep.  I'm telling you because you deserve the truth and to keep an eye out on your sister.  She must have hidden the rest of the milk.  In the morning my friends and I will return to the other village.  If there is anything we can do we will.  But before that."  Her eyes narrow.  "I want the bastard who hurt my friend to pay."

 

"And having a younger brother who keeps getting younger isn't enough of a punishment?" Alyssa checks.

 

Reiko shimmers and returns to the age of nine.  "Nope.  He hurt Amara.  He's prolly hurt others, moving from town to town.  He'll hurt more.  You saw him at the party."

 

"So, what's the lesson?" Alyssa asks, mostly on board.

 

"First he deserves a younger ‘sister’ instead.  He relies on his brother.  We should cut that off.  Make his brother into a prissy little girly boy.  Getting pushed around by a little girl will help, as well as pretty clothing and dollies.  Then, I seduce John and make him little too."  The little girl explains a light in her eyes at the thought of making the teen young. 

"Just keep Johnny boy in the room with you and Sasha while I 'play' with Jamie."

 

Alyssa shakes her head, easily disagreeing with the child before her now that the illusion spell has kicked in again and is playing once more on her mind.  "Making Johnny little will just give him permission to be more childish.  He won't learn his lesson, and he won't remember it when he grows up again."

 

Reiko frowns, but is willing to listen.  "Then what?  I suppose he could get dominated by two women."  She giggles.  "Ironically though having a real little sister would prolly change his thoughts on girls."

 

Alyssa ponders.  "Yes, getting pushed down by a woman seems about right.  Seems like Amara almost got there, except she was too small.  He felt bad about that, right?  That means she was starting to work on him." 

 

Little Reiko nods, the seemingly little girl now naturally deferring to the judgment of the nice older girl before her.

 

Alyssa snaps her fingers.  "Having a little sister old enough to play adult games would change his tune.  But ... is that possible?  Hey, maybe he does have a sister already?"

 

"I dunno." Reiko shrugs.  “Can’t I jus’ make Johnny little?  Pleeze?”

 

Alyssa shakes her head.  “No, and you gave your word not to use your breast milk like that again.  Remember?”

 

The little girl pouts for a moment but nods.  “Fine.” She relents.  After a moment she grins.  "I don’t know if he has a sister but I kin check.”  The witchling closes her eyes and reaches out to the shadows, tracking the merchant caravan down.  It takes her some time, since she cannot ask people directly.

 

***

 

John studies Sasha with his young brother.  "You really like him," he observes.  He can feel dryness in his mouth.

 

Sasha nods.  "Oh, very much.  We hit it off so well, didn't we James?"

 

Little Jamie makes a face, trying to push the woman's arms open and only succeeding in holding onto them and squirming, much to Sasha's delight.  She thinks it serves the boy right for having led her on.  Even so she finds she does adore the child and wants to stay with him, whether he wishes to or not.

 

"So, do you have a significant other John?" Sasha asks.

 

"Er, no," John replies carefully, tempted to rescue his brother from the woman’s embrace.

 

"I see.  How surprising.  A handsome boy like you.  James told me how many women your father has gotten offers from for his hand in marriage." The seamstress mentions. 

 

"Yes," John agrees.  "I'm guessing the offers won't be there for much longer."

 

"Oh?  None for you then?" she asks.

 

John laughs nervously.  "I don't know.  Maybe."

 

"That's too bad.  I guess James will be the first to marry," she adds, giving the boy a fond kiss on the cheek.

 

John makes a face.  "Uh?"

 

"I love him and I want to marry him," Sasha announces.  "Ten is still age of consent."

 

"Then you have a long wait," John points out, getting up and plucking James from her lap.  He sits the boy awkwardly on his own hip as James hugs him thankfully.

 

Sasha takes a closer look, then frowns, honestly seeing the boy’s changes clearly for the first time.  "Oh my, he is younger than ten, isn’t he?  That's ... strange.  I don't understand.  I'd assumed the miracle ... that Naita wanted ..." Her expression of confusion turns to realization.  “My goodness, it must be what James and I talked about.  I misunderstood.  He wanted a childhood, not a wife.  I suppose it is still my job to give it to him, but not as his wife.  As his mother."

 

John steps back with his brother.  "Whoa, slow down.  What?  He already has a mother."

 

"But she can't possibly be young enough to raise him all over again." Sasha reasons.  "What else would Naita intend?" She asks looking up into the little boy's adorable face.

 

"Maybe it is my job to take care of him," John points out.

 

Sasha studies John critically then looks at him skeptically.  "Seriously?  With respect, you don't seem like the child rearing type."

 

"Maybe not, but family is important to me." John defends.

 

"And a little boy still needs a mother."  Sasha insists.  After a moment she blinks, more confusion etching on her face.  "Wait, does she want me to marry you instead?" she asks, honestly perplexed by this point.

 

John laughs nervously and sits back down with James on the couch, Reiko’s threat the only thing keeping him from leaving.  "That sounds like a real jump."

 

Sasha sighs, honestly frustrated.  "It does, doesn't it?" she admits.  "But I'm truly just very confused right now."  She sees James' small bare feet dangle straight off the edge of the couch and gushes at his cuteness.  "I do love him.” Sasha confesses.  “I've never met a man … you know, who I felt so close to so quickly.  And then this happens, right after he tells me it's what he'd want for himself."

 

John blinks in amazement.  "He wanted this?"  He looks down at his brother.

 

Sasha nods.  "He said he was tired of having too much pressure and responsibility while you played around like a child.  If Naita were to bless him he'd welcome it and enjoy his second childhood."  James squirms again knowing those were his words.

 

"Really!" John exclaims looking down at his sheepish brother who is too embarrassed to meet his large brother’s gaze.  "I never would have guessed."

 

Sasha folds her arms over her chest.  "And what of you?  You said you have no significant other.  No marriage proposals.  And family is important to you but you are not the child rearing type.  It does in fact sound as if I am supposed to marry you and raise James as our son."

 

John shrugs easily.  "Not necessarily.  I have a sister, Janice, twenty now.  Even older than James, er, was.  She can look after him."  James cringes at the idea of his sister as his mother.

 

Sasha notices the little boy’s exaggerated expression and smirks.  "He doesn't seem to like the idea of his sister being his mommy, do you James?  Speak up now child.  This is your future we are talking about."

 

James looks back and forth between the big grown-ups, feeling intimidated.  "Um..."

 

"If you had to choose, would you take your big sister Janice as your mommy, or me?" Sasha asks.

 

"Not Janice!" the boy exclaims quickly.

 

John and Sasha each give a light chuckle at the response.  After a moment of silence the seamstress reaches out.  "May I hold him again?" Sasha asks politely.

 

John looks down at his brother.  Gazing back up James gives a small nod, finding he misses the warmth of the woman’s embrace.

 

The little boy hops down from the couch and pads back to Sasha, climbing up and onto the woman’s lap with her help.  James lets out a big sigh in Sasha's warm arms and lets his hands and feet dangle freely.

 

John and Sasha proceed to discuss Jamie's future.  "Well, if not Janice then who?  I promise I would love him as my own son.  And it would be better than him having to travel from place to place.  The only question would be marriage." Sasha says, talking directly to John now and leaving little Jamie out of the conversation.  The boy is more preoccupied anyway with a front tooth which has recently become loose.

 

"Mothers can't marry their sons," John points out.  "We really should sleep on this."

 

Sasha grins.  "I mean marry you silly."  Sasha cuddles the boy, having become quite happy with his smaller size and lighter weight.

 

John clears his throat.  "We'll see," he says, trying to deflect the conversation.

 

Sasha nods, happy to elicit a possibility rather than a direct no.  She can tell John is folding.

 

***

 

Reiko eventually finds out that there is indeed a sister with the caravan, an older sister who helps organize things but doesn't otherwise have much authority thanks to her gender.  She tells Alyssa of this, as well as the fact that the caravan is one town over.

 

"So, do we make the sister younger than John?" Reiko asks Alyssa hopefully.

 

Alyssa warms to the idea, but amends it.  "Yes, but only if you use your little illusion spell and not your milk.  And she’ll have to agree to it.  But how do we get her over here?  And who do we have her fall in love with?"  Alyssa kneels down on Bear-Bear to be more eye-level while they talk.  Her bare feet stroke the fur.

 

Reiko grins. "Jym!  He's looking fer me.  He knows about John, and this is the last place he'd look.  But he might get her involved."

 

"Can you get her excited, you know, like you got me excited?" Alyssa asks.  Reiko nods happily, liking the older girl more and more.

 

Reiko wonders if she can use her shadows to get Janice worried enough to come to this town to find her brothers.  Without too many guards of course, meaning none at all.  She closes her eyes to concentrate and finds the young woman in a closed wagon, reading by candlelight.  The witchling grins happily thrilled to have more people to play with. 

 

Alyssa watches Reiko work, wondering why the apparent little girl is trembling.  She looks like she may even have gotten a bit shorter again.

 

In her mind Reiko projects herself across the distance and appears in Janice's room, behind her in the shadows and as a bare-chested and barefoot little girl.  The candle flickers fitfully for a moment.  After a few seconds Reiko lets loose a giggle.

 

Janice sits up quickly and looks behind her in the dim orange light.  "Who?  Hello?  Who's there?"

 

Reiko giggles again then scampers out of the shadows, stopping in another dark corner of the small and cramped room.  "Hello, hello, hello." she sings.

 

Janice gasps and clutches her night shirt to her chest in surprise as she stares at the corner.  "Who's there?" she asks, and then picks up the candlestick to cast more light.

 

Reiko's image shifts with the shadows, and forms again right next to and behind Janice.  "Hello Janice." she says cutely.

 

Janice gives a little scream and almost drops the candle.  Then she studies her little visitor.  Reiko's trousers are sitting low on her hips now.  "Where'd you come from?"

 

"From the shadows." she says.  "You are Janice?" she checks.

 

"Y-yes," Janice replies, rubbing her eyes.

 

"Johnny and Jamie want you to join the party and play with them.  Now." she adds.

 

The woman looks spooked however.  "Who are you?"  Janice reaches out tentatively to touch Reiko on the shoulder, finding the little girl feels real enough.

 

Little Reiko turns serious.  "Someone who wants John to grow into a responsible young man, not an overgrown little boy.  You know what I mean.  They need you now.  They need their big sister.  But come alone." she adds meaningfully.

 

"What?  I can't just go out alone," Janice protests.  “It’s not proper.”

 

Reiko shimmers and grows to adulthood, still topless and much more intimidating.  "Yes, you can, and you must my dear."  She reaches out a hand.

 

Janice recoils from the dark woman before her.  "Who are you!?" she asks again.

 

"Now Jan Jan calm down," Reiko says in a motherly tone.  "All will be revealed but you must come.  You are needed.”  The shadows wrap around the young woman and her clothing shifts, changing into a black, risqué dress which bares her belly and parts up the sides of her legs.  “And now you are dressed properly.”

 

"I must be dreaming," Janice whispers, running her fingers over the fabric.

 

"You aren’t.” Reiko says calmly.  “But John does need you.  You could help him greatly, and teach him a valuable lesson at the same time.  He's been with the young ladies again.  He forced himself on and made a young girl cry, and her friend is very upset at him."  Feeling the cool air on her nipples, Reiko notices with annoyance that they have begun to moisten again.

 

Janice shakes her head.  "But he does not listen to me any more.  Has he been arrested?"

 

Reiko stretches her arms over her head.  "No.  But what if the girl's friends did not interrupt?  Or what if they want real revenge?" the Kirasani intones, seeing from the girl's concerned expression that she does know what Reiko is talking about regarding her brother’s behavior.  The witch places her hands on her hips.  "I'm here because I feel I can make him listen to you now and that it may be his best chance to learn.  No harm will come to you I promise."

 

Janice pauses to think for a moment causing Reiko to shrug.  "If you do not come, then the girl's friend will, I will, have my own revenge."

 

"He has never hurt anyone," Janice protests.  "I don't believe you.  He is just an awkward boy who gets carried away."

 

Reiko tilts her head and two shadows form in the candle light, they begin to dance, formally at first then they play fight, then one pulls the other down and climbs on top of the other.  "He is an awkward boy now, but when he is a man?  When he thinks women 'want this'?  Very well, then he will not become a man, I will make sure of it."  The shadows begin to shroud Reiko again.

 

"What?  Wait!  Leave him alone!" Janice panics, and hurriedly tugs at a dagger sheathed on the bed-side table.  "He will change when he knows the love of a woman," Janice declares romantically.

 

Reiko rolls her eyes as she halts the shadows.  "Now, now, let's not be childish as well as stupid here.  Love conquers all?  Perhaps, and right now there is a respectable woman trying to do just that for him.  Will he listen however?  No.  I think he'll need a push for love.  One I think you can give him.  He does love you, correct?""  She glances at the dagger dismissively.  "Oh, and put that silly thing away before you cut yourself."  She chuckles.

 

Janice lowers the knife reluctantly.  "Not that he'd admit, but yes.  We've been through much together."

 

"Good.  Are you a virgin?" Reiko asks bluntly.

 

Janice blushes and does not answer immediately.  "No," she admits.  "That is why I am not married now."

 

Reiko’s face softens, showing compassion.  "It's alright my dear, there is nothing to be ashamed of." the witch soothes in an honest and caring voice. "Regardless, if Johnny were to think you were about to be taken advantage of, might that put things into perspective for him?"

 

Janice considers.  "I suppose so, though I cannot say for certain that he would make the connection."

 

"Oh, I think he will.  Look my dear, this has been a pleasant conversation but I frankly have a decision to make.  Try to fix Johnny with your help ..." There is a shimmer and the child Reiko stands in the adult's place.  "Or make him harmless again." she giggles.  With another shimmer the adult folds her arms over her breasts, feeling the dampness beneath them.  "So, choose."

 

Janice blinks, understanding now what kind of revenge the witch was implying.  “You would … make him young?” she checks, to which Reiko nods.

 

The merchant’s daughter actually lets out a long sigh of relief.  “I feared you would kill him.” She admits.  “Though I would rather he not be a child again either.  What is this fix?" Janice asks cautiously, looking guardedly at the witch who is threatening her family.  "And how am I supposed to help?"

 

Reiko stares at the girl then holds her hand out again.  "I'll explain, and you can still say no, but come now or stay."

 

Janice looks down at her shadowy outfit again.  "Do I get to keep the dress?"  The garment seems to fit tighter than it did a moment ago as if it wishes to fit a younger body but still feels just as comfortable.

 

The witch smiles in amusement.  "Sure."

 

Janice sheathes her dagger and blows the candle out.  Blinded for a moment, she simply holds out a hand.

 

Reiko grasps the hand and pulls the woman to her chest, one of her damp nipples very close to the merchant daughter’s lips.  "My name is Reiko by the way." The witch says softly.

 

The cold shadows engulf them as Janice stares at the leaking nipple in seeming fascination.  She misses the sudden darkness surrounding her.

 

Reiko smiles, and pushes Janice's face gently away.  "No, no, no.  Not for Janny." she whispers as the blackness begins to recede.

 

---